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Sgt. Stephen Byers, 33, worked into the night restoring a generator near a primary communication tower in Iraq.
As his comrades in the Army’s 2-15 Field Artillery (FA), 10th Mountain Division, guarded the tower, a suicide bomber detonated his truck a half mile away, raining down debris and vehicle parts on the 2-15.
Byers dove out of the way to avoid the falling fragments, but as he did, landed sharply on his back. Focused on the situation at hand, he grabbed his weapon and joined his unit in their counterattack.
In spite of continued back pain, he went on to serve a second tour and finally came home in November 2007. The following January he started his own construction company. Soon afterward, it became unbearable for him to walk.
His doctor discovered a bulging disc in Byers’ back and recommended surgery.
“I had to give up my job because of the pain. My wife and I had just bought our dream house, and I didn’t know how we would keep up with payments,” explained Byers.
By October, the Byers’ savings was drained. The following month, while doctors operated on his back, his wife learned about VFW Unmet Needs.
“VFW stepped in at the nick of time,” said Byers. “The program helped with everything so we didn’t miss one mortgage payment.”
The experience with VFW Unmet Needs renewed Byers’ faith in the kindness of others and America’s appreciation of her veterans.
“The help brought us through a really terrible time and left us standing back on our feet,” said Byers. “I was always aware of the VFW, but I wasn’t aware of everything they do for veterans.” | 
